Tinnitus, commonly described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide.  

While various causes of tinnitus are well known—such as exposure to loud noise, ear infections, and hearing loss—many people wonder if stress could be another contributing factor.  

Can stress trigger or worsen tinnitus? 

The Connection Between Stress and Tinnitus 

While there is no definitive evidence that proves stress causes tinnitus, research shows that there is a link between stress and the onset or worsening of tinnitus symptoms.  

A study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience discusses the complex relationship between tinnitus and stress, as well as mood disorders like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

The study notes that while stress is often reported by tinnitus sufferers, establishing a direct causal link remains difficult due to confounding factors like age and hearing loss. This means that while stress may exacerbate tinnitus, it’s not necessarily the root cause for every individual. 

How Stress Might Influence Tinnitus 

Stress affects the body in many ways, including increasing blood pressure, heightening the sensitivity of the nervous system, and elevating cortisol levels—all of which can contribute to the perception of tinnitus.  

Stressful life events, like job pressures, personal losses, or significant changes, might lead some people to notice tinnitus more acutely or experience a spike in symptoms. 

In addition to stress, those dealing with anxiety, depression, or insomnia may find that their emotional state heightens the intensity of their tinnitus. For instance, individuals with PTSD may experience tinnitus as a symptom related to hypervigilance and heightened stress responses. 

Tinnitus: A Multifactorial Condition 

It’s important to understand that tinnitus is a multifactorial condition—there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” cause or solution. For some, tinnitus may be triggered by exposure to loud noises; for others, underlying medical conditions or age-related hearing loss could be contributing factors.  

For many individuals, the presence of stress amplifies their experience of tinnitus. 

Managing Tinnitus: A Personalized Approach 

Pacific Hearing Service recognizes that tinnitus management requires a personalized approach. No single treatment works for everyone, and that’s why we focus on customized care to meet the unique needs of each patient. 

Our goal is to alleviate the discomfort of tinnitus by offering strategies that may include: 

Hearing aids:

Many individuals with tinnitus also experience hearing loss. Hearing aids can amplify external sounds and help mask the internal sounds of tinnitus. 

Sound therapy:

The use of background sounds, white noise machines, or hearing aids with soundmasking features can help reduce the perception of tinnitus. 

Counseling and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT):

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of counseling can help individuals change their reactions to tinnitus, reducing the emotional and psychological impact it has on their lives. 

Stress-management techniques:

Since stress can exacerbate tinnitus, learning techniques to manage stress—such as mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation exercises—can be beneficial. 

Finding Relief from Tinnitus at Pacific Hearing Service 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for tinnitus, and the path to relief often requires a comprehensive approach tailored to your specific needs.

The good news is that while tinnitus cannot always be cured, many people find significant relief through treatment. 

If you’re wondering whether stress is affecting your tinnitus or if you want to explore personalized treatment options, we encourage you to schedule a hearing assessment with Pacific Hearing Service 

Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your specific situation and develop a treatment plan designed to help manage your tinnitus and improve your quality of life. 

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Rachel Appleton, Au.D.

I grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio. I was an undergrad at the College of Wooster in Ohio and graduate at Northwestern University near Chicago. I did my externship at the VA outside of Chicago. I have always enjoyed volunteering throughout my life. As a teen, I volunteered a lot at a local retirement community, and I loved spending time with the residents there. While in graduate school, I was able to travel to Peru to educate others about hearing healthcare. Pacific Hearing Service was a great fit for me because of the practice’s focus on humanitarian outreach both locally and abroad.